DoubleBee News

.says move to eradicate avoidable accidents

By Our Reporter

Lagos State Government has issued a final "Riot Act" to building owners, facility managers, and developers across the metropolis, demanding the immediate registration and safety certification of all elevators and vertical transportation equipment (VTE).

In a decisive move to eradicate avoidable accidents in the state’s rapidly expanding high-rise landscape, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, announced on Friday that the state would no longer tolerate the operation of uncertified lifts.

The Lagos State Safety Commission boss, said to this end building owners have been given until March 31, 2026, to ensure full compliance or face aggressive enforcement actions, including the immediate shutdown and sealing of non-compliant premises.

Stressing that public safety remains a non-negotiable priority, Mojola emphasized that elevators played a critical role in modern urban infrastructure and must be rigorously maintained to prevent mechanical failures that could endanger lives.

He noted that as the Lagos skyline continues to grow, the surge in demand for vertical transportation must be matched by a strict adherence to safety protocols established by the Commission. 

The Commission boss noted that under these stringent guidelines, all elevators, whether in residential, commercial, or public buildings, must be officially registered and certified both before they were commissioned and throughout their entire operational lifespan.

"Under these stringent guidelines, all elevators—whether in residential, commercial, or public buildings—must be officially registered and certified both before they are commissioned and throughout their entire operational lifespan.

"To streamline this process and enhance engagement with stakeholders, the state government has introduced a dedicated online platform, www.lasgsafetyreg.com, through which all vertical transportation equipment can be registered digitally.

"This strategic approach ensures that while new installations in government and private buildings are inspected before they ever carry a passenger, existing elevators are subjected to periodic safety audits to catch potential hazards before they escalate," he stated. 

Mojola, while noting that the grace period is fast expiring, warned that any elevator found to be unregistered or lacking a valid safety certificate after the deadline will be decommissioned as part of a state-wide crackdown.

The Safety Commission boss also called on the general public to take an active role in this safety drive by acting as whistleblowers. 

"Residents and office workers are encouraged to report faulty equipment, skipped maintenance schedules, or unregistered lifts through the Commission’s dedicated safety hotlines at 08033252687 or 08060918759. 

"By intensifying stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaigns, the Lagos State Government aims to foster a culture of collective responsibility, ensuring that the "full weight of the law" serves as a deterrent to any property owner who would prioritize costs over the lives of Lagosians," Mojola said.